Spain celebrating goal against The Nederlands © Andres Lopez Sheridan |
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Spain Women’s National Football Team
Spain women's national football team represents Spain in international women's football competitions. It was officially created by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in 1983, although it has existed since 1971, when women's football was not officially recognized by either the RFEF or FIFA.
Spain’s best result was winning the 2023 World Cup played in Australia & New Zealand, and the 2023-24 UEFA Nations League in their first participation. Spain’s big success comes after only three appearances in a World Cup in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
 Aitana Bonmatí Ballon d'Or 2023 © Andres Lopez Sheridan |
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History of women's football in Spain
In 1914 a first group of Spanish women played the first match of their history. They called themselves ' The Spanish Girl's'. These women were the pioneers of women's football in Spain. But it was not until the 70’s when the first women's football team was formed, although not yet officially recognized, it faced the best international teams of the moment, led by one of the best players of the time: Conchi Sánchez, who played for clubs in Italy and England, scoring almost 600 goals in her career. It was not until 1983 when the Spanish women's soccer team was officially created by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
In the mid-90s, UEFA began to organize official women's football competitions. Due to the young age of the Spanish team, it didn’t take part of any competition until the second edition of the Women's Euro Cup in 1987 that was held in Norway. Since that moment the Spanish team has taken part of three World Cups and progressed steadily until winning the 2023 Australia and New Zealand World Cup. Spain beat England 1-0 thanks to a goal from Real Madrid defender Olga Carmona.
 Jenny Hermoso celebrating the first goal vs The Nederlands © Andres Lopez Sheridan |
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International Stars
Spain reached their biggest success in 2023 winning the World Cup with a team full of international football stars. Starting with the FC Barcelona player, Alexia Putellas, winner of the Ballon d'Or for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. Also, Ballon d'Or winner in 2023, also a Barcelona player, Aitana Bonmatí dominated the Spanish midfield during the competition. Spain's attack was completed by the record-breaking woman, Salma Paralluelo, the only woman in the world to win the U-17 Euro Cup, the U-17 World Cup, the U-20 World Cup and the 2023 World Cup. In addition, other renowned names in international football such as Jenny Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Athenea del Castillo, Mariona Caldentey or Laia Codina completed the World Cup winning team.
 Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes & Jenny Hermoso celebrating the 2023-24 UEFA Nations League © Andres Lopez Sheridan |
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Spain achieved its last international success in 2024 in Seville where they won the UEFA Nations League 2023-2024, beating The Nederlands & France. A victory that gives them a place for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which means the first time that Spain Women’s Football will take part in the Olympic Game.